Blended Learning Information

Blended Learning Definitions

The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), has accepted the following definition for 'blended learning' from The Clayton Christensen Institute: A formal education program in which a student learns: at least in part through online learning, with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace; at least in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home; and the modalities along each student's learning path within a course or subject are connected to provide an integrated learning experience. (Horn and Staker, 2013) 

According to CDE's 2024 Student October Count Audit Resource Guide - Fiscal Year 2024-2025, blended learning courses require both in-person and digitally-delivered instruction for a student enrolled in a traditional brick-and-mortar school.

Blended Learning Reports

As the designated entity for statewide supplemental and online blended learning programming, per statutory reference in § 22-5-199 (C.R.S.), the Colorado River Board of Cooperative Education Services (CR BOCES) publishes a public "Report on Blended and Supplemental Learning" annually through the Colorado Empowered Learning (CEL) state-supported program. For annual reports for years 2017-2024, visit CEL's Annual Reports website. Please complete CEL's Contact Us form regarding accessibility needs for any report files.

Blended Learning Initiative

From 2021-2024 the Colorado Department of Education facilitated the Blended Learning Initiative (BLI). At the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year, the BLI completed all goals and activities set in this statewide initiative, therefore sunsetting the BLI. All information, materials, and reports from the initiative's work from 2021-2024 for historical reference can be found on the BLI page. 

Blended Learning Resources

What is Blended Learning:

What is Blended Learning? - This publication from The Clayton Christensen Institute provides definitions about common models about this formal education program. 

What Is Blended Learning? - This publication by the Aurora Institute explains how blended learning environments work and provides key questions to ask about blended learning. 

What is Blended Learning? - A video clip of Dr. Amy Anderson and Ben DeGrow join host Jon Caldara to talk about ways kids are learning with blended learning. 

More About Blended Learning:

Maximizing Competency Education and Blended Learning - A publication from iNACOL and CompetencyWorks about maximizing learning through blended approaches. 

Blended Learning Teacher Competency Framework - A publication from iNACOL and used by Colorado Digital Learning Solutions (CDLS) for blended learning courses in Colorado classrooms.

Blended Learning Models Definitions - A diagram illustrating the various forms of blended learning based on research by the Clayton Christensen Institute.

Blending Learning: The Convergence of Online and Face-to-Face Education - This publication by iNACOL, explores ways blended learning is developed by schools. 

Explore Blended Learning:

"Deepening Our Understanding of High-Quality Virtual and Hybrid Learning: An Initial Analysis of Six Diverse Models" Report - Including St. Vrain Valley School District RE 1J, this report outlines models of virtual and hybrid learning environments that demonstrate strong outcomes and promising evidence of learning acceleration in sites representing rural, suburban, and urban populations serving diverse groups of students and varying in size.

Blended Learning Universe - Resources about designing a blended learning program for your classroom, school, or district.

Blended Learning: Resource Roundup - Resources about combining face-to-face instruction with technology-mediated learning. 

The Clayton Christensen Institute - Formerly the Innosight Institute, has searchable "blended learning" articles, blogs, podcasts, and reports.

Contact

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